qutA — Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4

Summary

ANIA_08885 (qutA) on chromosome 7 of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 encodes a Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor, a member of the Zn2C6 fungal-type DNA-binding domain family. The gene product has sequence-specific DNA binding and DNA-binding transcription factor activity, and is localised to both the nucleus and membrane. qutA is associated with quinate breakdown, the shikimate pathway, monocarboxylic acid metabolism, positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II, and signal transduction. It is also linked to filamentous growth of a population of unicellular organisms in response to biotic stimulus. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to reduced virulence and pulmonary aspergillosis, though these associations are not established for qutA itself.